Here’s what the royal dress code says about piercings, tattoos
If you stayed up until ridiculous hours to watch Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding ceremony in 2011 or are currently tracking Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s baby news then you know the royal dress code is strict. However, it appears one polarizing fashion choice regarding piercings and tattoos might not be the biggest deal.
Royals are told that dresses are preferred over trousers, according to Cosmopolitan. Neutral nail polish is required, proven by the fact Queen Elizabeth has worn Essie’s “Ballet Slippers” shade for 28 years. Pantyhose are also strongly encouraged, but not actually required.
Read more: The top 10 goth-inspired looks at the royal wedding
Newly married Markle is not one to follow all of these rules and traditions, having not worn pantyhose in public and often opting for trousers over a dress. However, she’s not the only one pushing the envelope for royal-approved attire.
At present there isn’t an official rule against piercings, according to Bustle. However, those who are closer to being in line for the throne are less likely to push the rules.
Prince Harry and Prince William’s royal cousin Lady Amelia Windsor, 22, has several tattoos. But because she’s not as close to the throne as others in her family, it’s not as big of a deal, according to Grant Harrold, The Royal Butler.
“Lady Amelia Windsor is not a senior royal or a princess,” Harold tells Daily Mail. “As we know, she is not even in the top 30 in line to the throne. So she will be aware that she can get away with personal choices such as tattoos or modeling for international fashion houses.”
Her sister, Lady Marina-Charlotte Windsor, has a tragus piercing that she showed off at the Queen’s Christmas lunch in 2012. The Queen’s granddaughter Zara Tindall once got her tongue pierced at boarding school. She then debuted her new look at her uncle Prince Charles’ 50th birthday party in 1998. So basically, the royals rebelling against their strict dress code is exactly like all of our scene phases.
Other royal dress code rules
Only married women can wear tiaras. They also use bags for several reasons including to send messages, avoid shaking hands and cover cleavage.
The Queen herself opts for bright colors and a matching hat, the latter of which comes from an old tradition that a lady’s hair should remain covered in public. The bright color, however, has to do with standing out in a crowd in order for people to say they saw her, according to documentary The Queen At 90.
As far as boys, they are required to wear shorts as part of a longstanding tradition until they turn 8 years old.
“Trousers are for older boys and men, whereas shorts on young boys is one of those silent class markers that we have in England,” British etiquette expert William Hanson told Harper’s Bazaar UK.
And you thought your mom had a strict rule on what you leave the house wearing.
